Supervisor, Pre-Analytical Laboratory

Position Overview

The Supervisor, Pre-Analytical Laboratory is responsible for supervision of team members and daily operations of the Pre-Analytical (Accessioning) department including, but not limited to, specimen box receipt process, test order processing, sample processing, material return and management of associated documents and records. They serve as a liaison between Accessioning and various functional groups including, but not limited to Histology, Customer Service, Analytical Laboratory, Process and Service Engineering, Information Technology, Human Resources, Quality, Supply Chain Management and Workplace Services groups to report and address immediate issues or concerns. They are also responsible for coordinating or leading the laboratory workflow and scheduling, troubleshooting high complexity technical and non-technical problems, building an effective team, managing projects and deliverables. Finally, they will participate in the development and administration of policies and procedures, contribute to contours process improvement to ensure consistent, high-quality process and best practices, and will support and participate in internal and external audits and quality management activity to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Shift: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00AM-5:30 PM

Essential Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage the daily operations of the pre-analytical laboratory department and ensure that all activities within department are performed and documented according to the established policies and procedures and aligned with the corporate goals.
• Perform bench work 20-30% of the time, for example sample receipt, order entry and specimen preparation, sample collection, and other lab activities as directed by Laboratory Manager.
• Follow and assess established Health and Safety procedures. Adhere and perform risk assessments. As well as understand, train, and enforce safety regulations.
• Maintain strong knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
• Meet at least monthly with direct reports. Provide coaching and constructive feedback, and career development discussions.
• Write and deliver quarterly/year end feedback and build a positive team environment.
• Provide evaluation of new process improvements and make appropriate recommendations based on through evaluation of operational, quality and efficiency impact.
• Coordinate staff training in partnership with dedicated trainers.
• Coordinate and/or monitor laboratory workflow to maintain accountability for staff productivity and other quality measures.
• Maintain operations by monitoring staff workload, adjusting schedules as needed, monitors, and maintains productivity standards and identifies opportunity for efficiency gain and quality improvements.
• Participate in the development, refinement and implementation of documents that affect the department.
• Establish, review, and implement training plans and checklists to ensure compliance to corporate policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoot sample, system and process issues raised by staff, customers, or others.
• Collaborate with IT, Engineers, and other cross-functional team to identify and resolve on-going process or system issues.
• Support corporate or customer-experience improvement projects by providing ideas, business requirements or end-user feedback as assigned, by supporting troubleshooting, end-user testing or task execution, as assigned.
• Collaborate closely within Lab Operations, Quality and Customer Service to improve process efficiency and ensure that each specimen is properly processed to sustain operations and maximize resource utilization.
• Represent the Accessioning department in cross-functional teams, as assigned.
• Participate and manage the interview, selection, hiring and on-boarding of new staff.
• Responsible for coaching, mentoring, disciplining, and training of department personnel, conducting 1:1’s and fostering an environment of open communication, partnering with staff to create and execute personal development plans.
• Provide timely feedback to staff, manage staff performance, write, and deliver annual staff performance reviews.
• Communicate goals clearly to employees to ensure understanding and success in achieving them.
• Motivate and inspire employees to do their best work through coaching.
• Maintain morale and support employee engagement initiatives.
• Communicate timely and regularly to management, stakeholders, and staff to ensure effective change management and address potential issues in advance.
• Participate in and/or assist with the preparation of internal and external audits and inspections.
• Review and maintain personnel files and department records in compliance with Quality Management System, applicable regulatory requirements such as CLIA, NY-CLIA, CAP, ISO standards and others.
• Strong communicator with ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers and customers as needed.
• Able to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner.
• Able to prioritize and drive to results with a high emphasis on quality.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Recognized by others, internally and externally, for strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to changes and identify ways to achieve goals.
• Self-directed, result oriented, able to operate independently.
• Ability and desire to thrive in a high-pressure, data-driven, and highly regulated work environment.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for at least 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to use a telephone through a headset.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
• Some lifting (greater than 25 pounds) may be necessary.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Use of various chemicals may be used to perform duties.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and tissue, blood, and other body fluid samples.
• Ability to comply with any applicable PPE requirements.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), plus 4 years’ experience working in a laboratory or similar environment (i.e., Medical Data Entry, maintaining sample integrity following procedures and protocols, etc).
• Or Associates Degree in Science, health science, or related field, plus 3 years’ experience working in a laboratory or similar environment (i.e., Medical Data Entry, maintaining sample integrity following procedures and protocols, etc).
• Or Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Health Science, or related field, plus 2 years’ experience working in a laboratory or similar environment (i.e., Medical Data Entry, maintaining sample integrity following procedures and protocols, etc).
• Previous supervisory experience or experience leading people or projects.
• Experience leading projects and/or project teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track or record of managing schedules.
• Professional working knowledge with using laboratory information management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to write and update procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GDP, CAP, CLIA and NY.
• Experience in a high-volume clinical pathology laboratory operation.
• Demonstrate understanding of medical terminology, laboratory terminology and medical billing.